Hello Readers!
Let's talk about the flu. First and foremost, let me say it is NOT too late to go get your flu shot! Flu season is expected to run through early March this year. The shot takes about two weeks to take effect. No, it will not give you the flu, that is impossible. The flu shot is a dead virus. A dead virus can't make you sick! Some people may get a slight reaction (most don't), but however bad you think that reaction is, it is nothing compared to the actual flu. Also, go get your kids the flu shot too!
The other most important thing you can do to prevent the flu is wash and sanitize your hands every chance you get! Did you touch the gas pump? Sanitize. Did you touch a door handle? Sanitize. Shake someone's hand? You get the idea!
Now, let's talk about what to do if you do get the flu. First of all, if you get the flu shot and still get the flu, it does not mean the flu shot is ineffective. The flu shot protects against 3-4 different flu viruses, including H1N1-which has already killed several people, most of them young and healthy. There are several different strains of the flu, the shot protects against the most common strains. You may be one of the unlucky ones who get an uncommon strain.
So, you get the flu. How do you know if you have the flu virus verses the rhinovirus (common cold)? You will most likely have some or all of these symptoms:
-A fever, possibly a high fever
-SEVERE body aches, especially in your legs
-Cough with chest congestion
-Nasal congestion
-Possible nausea/vomiting
-Possible diarrhea
-Headache
-Extreme fatigue
Now remember, the so called "stomach flu" is not the flu at all, it is known as norovirus. If you have norovirus, you will have about 24-48 hours of the worst vomiting and diarrhea of your life. The flu shot does not protect against norovirus, because it is not the flu.
Unfortunately, because the flu is a virus, an antibiotic will not help. What you need is:
-Tylenol or Motrin for fever and body aches
-Lots of fluids (water, Gatorade....stay away from pop or juice)
-Sleep. A lot of sleep.
There is one medication that might decrease the severity of your symptoms or shorten the duration. It doesn't work for everyone, and can cause nausea and vomiting (it did for me personally a few years ago). It's an antiviral drug called Tamiflu. If it's something you're interested in (if you get the flu), you can call your doctor, as it is prescription only.
Don't worry if you can't or don't feel like eating, not eating for a few days won't do much harm. On the other hand, not drinking WILL: so make sure you are getting lots of fluids.
Sometimes, the flu isn't something you can sleep off at home. Sometimes it is much more serious and you need to be either hospitalized or seen by a doctor. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to go to the hospital the second they start. Many of the people that have died from the flu probably could have been saved had they went to the hospital sooner.
-Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
-Fever of 104.5 or higher
-Unable to keep any fluids down or not urinating regularly
-A blue color to your lips, around your belly button, or in your finger nails. This is known as cyanosis which means your body is not getting enough oxygen. It is very serious.
What if you're nursing and have the flu? Well, there is no reason you can't breastfeed because you have the flu. You will not pass it on to your baby through breast milk (but it can be passed on through kissing/touching, so save the kisses and sanitize your hands). The only concern about nursing while you have the flu is the fact that you're taking Tylenol and Motrin around the clock. Although Tylenol and Motrin are completely safe for babies (disclaimer: Motrin is only safe after 6 months old), big doses can be hard on their little livers and bellies. You would probably be fine to nurse even with the Tylenol and Motrin around the clock, but my personal decision for when I had the flu was to nurse every other feeding (and alternate with formula) instead of every feeding just because it made me feel more comfortable. If you or your child gets the flu, whatever you do, do NOT send them to school or go to work! You need to be fever free for 24-48 hrs WITHOUT the help of Tylenol or Motrin before you aren't at risk of infecting others!
I hope this info helps you if you do end up with the flu like I did (I did get my flu shot, but probably was one of the unlucky ones to get a different strain). Stay healthy Readers!
